Activision Allows King's Quest Fan Project

Activision has granted a non-commercial release of The Silver Lining, a fan-made King's Quest project in development by Phoenix Online Studios.

"Episode 1: What is Decreed Must Be," set for release on July 10, will be the first of a series of episodes slated for this year.

"Phoenix Online Studios and Activision have worked together over the last few months to build a relationship that will enable The Silver Lining to be freely distributed to its eager fans," said the studio.

In development since 2000, The Silver Lining project has suffered numerous delays and cancellations.

Activision, who currently owns the King's Quest franchise, previously issued the studio cease and desist orders to stop the project from being developed. In 2005, Vivendi Universal Games approved the release of the project, but its 2007 merger with Activision nullified the contract with Phoenix Online.

"Now that we have met with the Phoenix Online team and understand their goals, we're thrilled that fans will be able to enjoy this as the labor of love it clearly is," Activision said in a statement given to IGN.

In The Silver Lining, players will once again assume the role of King Graham, the series' long-standing protagonist, as he sets out to save his children, Rosella and Alexander, from a mysterious curse. The King's Quest series has seen seven total titles since its first release back in 1984.